Lauren M. Titone
Age: 12
Great Hollow Middle School
Nesconset, New York

Since the age of five, karate has played a major role in my life. Not only has this activity helped me physically but even more so mentally. When I began studying the Martial Arts my one goal in life was to achieve the rank of Black Belt. At the age of nine my dream finally came true and at that time I realized how much Karate can do for your mind and general outlook on life.

I truly believe that without Karate I would not be the person I am today. The Martial Arts has given me self-esteem and a feeling of self worth that cannot be found in many people. Through out my studies I have faced many challenges and valleys of despair but these situations can have a positive outcome. I have built up enough confidence in myself that I am able to get over the hurdles and move on. I think this is why I am a confident and strong willed young lady.

Karate is a male dominant sport and I, being a girl is always outnumbered by the opposite gender. Despite this situation I have developed enough self-esteem and courage to continue my studies no matter what. Due to the fact that I am one of the few young females that have received a black belt and continued to study, in my karate school, fellow male students show me the same amount of respect, that they would anyone else, despite the gender difference. This feeling of acceptance has made me feel so good inside that I believe I can do anything I put my mind to.

The positive attitude that I've obtained from the Martial Arts is transferred to my everyday life. In school and at home I have such a good mental attitude from karate that i am a straight A student, tutor, good friend, (or so my peers tell me) and what I believe to be a good family member. Due to the fact that i am an only child, the people at my Karate school are my second family, my home away from home, my buddies, my amigos. I have made so many friends because of Karate that it has made me more of a leader and a people person. My grades have definitely improved because of the martial Arts. In school I feel that there is no problem in which you cannot find a solution for and that no questions will go unanswered. This attitude is positively a work of years and years of karate training.

Another characteristic of mine that I think the Martial Arts has taught me, is respect. No matter who it is, a friend, a teacher, a family member or a mentor I have a great deal of respect for any decent human being that walks this earth. You might be wondering how karate has taught me this but you would be surprised. In the martial Arts a lot of admiration is shown toward teachers of the past, present, and future. In karate we are also taught to respect our peers and treat everyone as an equal. Just because I am a Black Belt does not give me the right to treat under belts as under achievers. Everyone has potential and my job as a Black Belt is to help bring it out in people.

In conclusion I hope that you have seen what positive traits karate can give you. These characteristics are used in every aspect of my life and help me to know the difference between right and wrong. Words cannot express what the people at my Karate School have shown me as far as living a better life. Whether it is a Grand Master or a 5-year-old beginner, every person has something to show you and some lesson to teach. Thank you.